The Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation, a partnership between
George Mason University and the Smithsonian Conservation Biology
Institute (SCBI), is proud to announce their updated
graduate/professional course schedule which includes 3 exciting new
offerings. The School is now offering more courses than ever before,
in a wide range of topics, all focused on training in different
aspects of biodiversity conservation, from effective conservation
leadership, to technical tools in statistics and field sampling. All
courses are currently either 1 or 2-week intensive residential
courses and are now held in a brand-new, sustainably-built Academic
Center on the grounds of SCBI in Front Royal Virginia. Most courses
can be taken either for graduate credit or continuing education
units. See our upcoming offerings below and check out our website for
more course details and pricing.
Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation
Graduate/Professional Training Courses 2013-2014
Front Royal, Virginia, USA
Visit our website
(<http://SMConservation.gmu.edu>http://SMConservation.gmu.edu) or
email us at <mailto:[email protected]>[email protected] for more
details about each course, course costs, and credits earned.
Ecology and Conservation of Migratory Birds (new!)
September 9-20, 2013
Led by the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center, this course teaches the
most current methods in the research of migratory birds including
theoretical concepts, field and laboratory methods (including
mist-netting, banding, tissue sampling, stable isotope geochemistry,
geolocators and radio telemetry), data analysis (including
mark-recapture statistics) and applied conservation strategies.
Spatial Ecology, Geospatial Analysis & Remote Sensing
September 30-October 11, 2013
Learn to use GIS tools to address conservation research problems,
quantifying effects of human-induced global changes on wildlife and
biodiversity. Hands-on lab exercises (e.g. land cover mapping; home
range analysis; modeling habitat selection; mapping species
distributions) use remote sensing data and SCBI field surveys to
monitor global changes, assess impacts on wildlife, and develop
mitigating strategies.
Conservation Breeding Centers for Wildlife Sustainability (new!)
October 7-14, 2013
This course is designed to teach the philosophies, practices,
logistics and management associated with 'conservation breeding',
including what makes breeding centers unique and effective. The most
significant of these centers in the US have formed a consortium
called the <http://www.conservationcenters.org/>Conservation Centers
for Species Survival (C2S2), and experts from member institutions,
including the SCBI, The Wilds and others, will share the details of
the specialized C2S2 expertise and facilities that manage, study and
reproduce wild animals on a sufficient scale to create
demographically and genetically stable populations.
Applied Climate Change: Gaining Practical Skills for Climate Change Adaptation
October 21-November 1, 2013
This course provides an overview of the knowledge, tools and
resources needed to become more effective leaders and managers in
adapting to climate change. Participants will develop practical
skills through lectures, case studies, field assignments, study
tours, and computer-based analyses. A field study tour of the
Virginia Region provides an opportunity for viewing real-life climate
change adaptation measures for the agricultural and wine industries.
Each participant will complete a climate change impacts and
adaptation study for their own region of geographic interest.
Effective Conservation Leadership
October 28-November 1, 2013
This course provides an unparalleled professional development
experience. Conservation practitioners, as well as students at the
outset of their careers, become more effective leaders and managers
through case studies and hands-on exploration of the leadership
skills practiced in many professional fields. This course will apply
effective leadership and communication skills and techniques to
environmental and conservation issues.
Collaboration and Conflict Resolution Skills Training: Water Quality Issues
(new!)
November 5-8, 2013
Offered in partnership with the University of Virginia's Institute
for Environmental Negotiation (IEN), this professional training
course is designed for those who seek to build their skills in
collaboration and conflict resolution, particularly when engaged in
contentious water quality issues. Through dialogue, role-play, and
discussions, participants come to grasp the connections among
seemingly disparate issues and viewpoints and learn how to apply new
negotiation and public engagement skills in their communities and workplaces.
Species Monitoring & Conservation: Terrestrial Mammals
April 28-May 9, 2014
This course teaches current techniques in assessment and monitoring
of wild mammal populations, including bats. Participants learn
principles of study design; current field assessment methods; data
analysis techniques including MARK and DISTANCE software; application
of monitoring data to decision-making and population management; and
collection and preparation of museum voucher specimens.
Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation participants engage in
dynamic learning communities, build lifelong professional networks,
and connect with valuable conservation resources
